Iggy Azalea's "The New Classic" - Album Review

   ★ ★ ★ 1/2 out of 5

   The buzz has been swirling around blonde bombshell/raptress Iggy Azalea since her tracks, including "Work" and "Bounce", have caused quite the stir in the clubs over the past few months. Though her debut album, The New Classic, released just this week, ran into many unfortunate setbacks, the Australian-born artist is currently experiencing the success of current single "Fancy", becoming her first Billboard Hot 100 hit. Maybe the wait was worth it.

   Preceded by the aforementioned "Work" and "Fancy" feat. Charli XCX, along with "Change Your Life" feat. T.I., the new 12-track album brings on many featured guests as Azalea follows in the familiar steps of Eminem and Nicki Minaj by providing an effort with hard hitting rap verses surrounding a radio-friendly pop chorus, creating tracks with the possibility of crossing multiple genres. While there is immense potential brewing inside this artist on the rise, her debut may not convince everyone that she is here to stay.

   Opening with "Walk The Line", the track is a positive introduction to the overall sound of the new album. Azalea raps of never even dreaming of being at the stage of her career she is at now as the uplifting chorus shows the artist at a point of no return. The track seems to be painting the artist as an underdog, because let's face it, she is. However, the opening number has enough attitude to be a future single and really gives people a sense of the artist.

   Azalea keeps rapping of being on her own in "Don't Need Y'all", a fast-paced track where the artist allows some strong verses and effortless flow detail her difficult path of getting to the top. "I remember when I wasn't this big, and now y'all wanna act like y'all helped me get here, oh now everybody wanna love me?," the artist questions on one of the album's main highlights, two fingers up to her harshest early critics.

   With the assistance of Watch The Duck, a three-piece dubstep/trap group, Azalea's "100" allows potential suitors to understand the raptress is not one to mess around with. Again, Azalea impressive spits some sassy, attitude-filled verses that should scare any man from cheating on her. Watch The Duck handle the chorus, with soulful vocals that seem to pair well with the hip-hop vibe of the track.

   "Change Your Life" featuring T.I. was released as the third single from the album, but failed to garner much attention on the charts. The song represents a noticeable change for the artist as Azalea attempts to actually sing on the track instead of simply rap. She has her sight on her man, rapping of being able to give him all he desires as the chorus of the impressive track may be the most upbeat moment on the debut record.

   For 2014, Azalea presented "Fancy" featuring the vocals of Charli XCX and accompanied by a Clueless-inspired music video. Being her first Billboard charting track, there was good reason for its success. While Azalea gives her trademark, unapologetic verses some needed attitude, Charli XCX gives a radio-ready pop performance on the chorus. "I'm so fancy, you already know, I'm in the fast lane, from LA to Tokyo," she sings.

   Though slightly vulgar and egocentric, "New Bitch" finds the blonde-haired rapper breaking the news to a poor girl that she basically stole her man with cheery background production to help soften the blow. Many may hope the new relationship will ultimately fail, but Azalea raps about not being bothered by the rumors or petty talk. She's the one taking the trips with him. So all jealous broads could keep hating.

   Many were probably introduced to Azalea's impressive rap skills with a spin of numerous "Work" remixes at their local dance club, but the original version goes a bit harder and contains a more urban vibe than the uptempo versions. The track was a strong introduction for the artist, the chorus is a memorable, hard-hitting, hip-hop verse, however, the dance version has sort of overshadowed the original on the album.

   "Impossible Is Nothing" starts off eerie and interesting thanks to the background supporting beats, and even though the lyrics once again paint an inspiring message of encouragement for those who feel defeated, the track seems a bit lackluster and dull compared to the preceding tracks. "Keep on living, keep on breathing, even when you don't believe it," so the chorus says on the decent yet unmemorable effort.

   The new artist explains just why she rules the current female rap game on "Goddess", an abrasive, unapologetic track which details Azalea desire for everyone to get down on their knees to a white girl with proper skills. While she certainly gets her point across on the tight verses, it is the hook that will cements her statements. It's proper hip-hop without the unnecessary pop chorus to make this track a must hear.

   Rumored to be lined up as the album's next official single, "Black Widow" highlights Azalea's captivating abilities, but she does take second stage to the powerful chorus sung by UK pop singer Rita Ora. "I'm gonna love ya, until you hate, and I'm gonna show ya, what's really crazy," Ora sings on a chorus set for future radio takeover on a track that does bare some similarities to a recent Katy Perry single. Perfection.

   Featuring Jamaican musician Mavado, who does take up a huge chuck of the track, "Lady Patra" is unfortunately, a not-as-effective, slightly narcissistic look at Azalea's current lifestyle. Built around a lazy, uninteresting hook, the effort just doesn't hit as hard as the rest of the track list, getting lost in the dust. The two artists do not show much musical chemistry and the verses just aren't too clever. Best to skip.

   To close the debut album, Azalea provides a fast-paced, slightly uptempo, explicit performance on "Fuck Love". As she calls out all the men for being a hot mess, the rap star claims to desire diamonds, not love. Wouldn't all girls agree? The accompanying beat is a thumping good time, ready to set dance floors a blaze, but it's the sassy attitude we have come to expect from Iggy which truly carries the closing track.

   The New Classic is a debut album which starts off strong and comes following massive buzz and exposure for Iggy Azalea, however, the effort does somewhat become a "paint by number" hip-hop/pop experiment that may not give audiences an honest look into the artist's musical style. While the singles released so far are entertaining and hard-hitting, some of the track list suffers from bland songwriting and predictable formulas. There is no denying that Azalea knows how to deliver the material, her verses are focused and commendable throughout, there's just not much on the album to justify breakout success. All in all, many will enjoy it, just don;t know for how long.

Tracks to Hear: "Walk The Line", "Don't Need Y'all", "Fancy" and "Black Widow"